Plumage and Size Variation in African Collared Dove vs Eurasian Collared Dove

The African Collared Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove are two distinct avian species belonging to the Streptopelia genus. While sharing common traits as doves, they exhibit a range of differences that set them apart.

From their plumage and vocalizations to their behaviors and habitats, these doves offer captivating examples of adaptation and evolution.

This exploration will delve into various aspects that distinguish these doves, shedding light on their characteristics, behaviors, ecological roles, and interactions with their environments.

Through understanding their unique features and the roles they play, we gain insight into the intricate tapestry of biodiversity and the captivating world of avian life.

Key Differences Between African Collared Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove

Undertail Coverts

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) is characterized by its white undertail coverts, the feathers beneath its tail.
  This feature contributes to its lighter and more muted appearance. The white undertail coverts serve as a distinctive identification trait for this species.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Conversely, the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) possesses gray undertail coverts. These feathers underneath the tail are noticeably gray, creating a contrast with the rest of the bird’s plumage.
  This darker undertail covert coloration is one of the features that helps differentiate the Eurasian Collared Dove from its African counterpart.

Wingtip Color

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) displays a subtle wingtip coloration, with its wingtips being only slightly darker than the wing and back feathers.
  This subdued contrast contributes to the bird’s overall lighter and more understated appearance. The gradual transition between the wingtips and the rest of the wing creates a harmonious blend of hues.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: In contrast, the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) exhibits distinctive dark gray wingtips. This stark color difference between the wingtips and the surrounding plumage creates a more pronounced contrast.
  This darker wingtip coloration is a characteristic feature that helps in the quick identification of the Eurasian Collared Dove.

Overall Coloration

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove boasts a lighter and more muted overall coloration. Its feathers have a gentle and subdued palette that aligns with the bird’s habitat and environment.
  The interplay between its white undertail cover and the slightly darker wingtips contributes to its soft and elegant appearance.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: On the other hand, the Eurasian Collared Dove has a slightly more vibrant overall coloration. The contrast between the dark gray wingtips and the rest of its plumage adds a dynamic element to its appearance.
  This feature, coupled with its gray undertail coverts, gives the bird a more noticeable and eye-catching presence.

Distribution

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove primarily inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, with its range spanning across various countries in this region.
  Its distribution is centered within this specific geographic area, making it less commonly encountered outside of Africa.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: In contrast, the Eurasian Collared Dove has experienced a remarkable range expansion. Originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, this species has successfully established populations in various parts of the world, including North America.

Range Expansion

• African Collared Dove: The range of the African Collared Dove has remained relatively stable within sub-Saharan Africa. It has not undergone significant expansion beyond its native habitat, resulting in its limited presence in continental North America.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s range expansion has been notable. Historically, its distribution was confined to Europe and Asia, but it has since colonized many new areas, including parts of North America.
  This expansion can be attributed to its adaptability to various habitats and its successful utilization of human-modified environments.

Invasive Status

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) has not gained a reputation as an invasive species. Its distribution primarily encompasses sub-Saharan Africa, where it is considered a native and non-invasive bird species.
  Due to its limited range and habitat preferences, it has not become established in areas outside of its natural habitat.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Conversely, the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) has earned a reputation as an invasive species in some parts of the world. Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has successfully colonized various regions, including North America.
  Its adaptability to urban and suburban environments has contributed to its widespread distribution, raising concerns about its impact on native bird species and ecosystems.

Habitat

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove is naturally adapted to the habitats found in sub-Saharan Africa.
  It thrives in a range of environments, including savannas, woodlands, and open grasslands. The bird’s preference for these native habitats influences its behavior, nesting sites, and interactions with other species.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove is known for its remarkable adaptability to human-modified landscapes. It often frequents urban and suburban areas, including gardens, parks, agricultural fields, and city centers.
  This preference for human-altered habitats has contributed to its invasive status in some regions and its ability to thrive in close proximity to human populations.

Feeding Habits

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove is primarily granivorous, meaning it feeds mainly on grains and seeds.
  This dietary preference aligns with its natural habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, where these food sources are abundant. Its feeding behavior plays a role in seed dispersal within its native ecosystems.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Similarly, the Eurasian Collared Dove also exhibits granivorous feeding habits.
  It consumes a variety of seeds and grains, including those from agricultural crops and backyard bird feeders. This adaptable dietary preference contributes to its success in both native and introduced environments.

Behavior

• African Collared Dove: The behavior of the African Collared Dove is deeply intertwined with its native habitats. It tends to exhibit behaviors characteristic of dove species, such as its gentle cooing calls and its tendency to perch on utility wires and rooftops.
  In its native range, its interactions with other bird species and its role in ecosystem dynamics are shaped by its behavior.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s behavior, particularly its adaptability to urban environments, has played a significant role in its invasive success.
  It has a distinctive and repeated three-part cooing call that is often heard in its adopted habitats. Its habit of nesting in trees, shrubs, and buildings has further facilitated its spread in human-dominated landscapes.

Size

• African Collared Dove: In terms of size, both the African Collared Dove and the Eurasian Collared Dove are relatively similar.
  The African Collared Dove typically measures around 23 to 28 centimeters (9 to 11 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 47 to 55 centimeters (18.5 to 21.5 inches).
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s size closely matches that of the African Collared Dove. It falls within the same length range of 23 to 28 centimeters (9 to 11 inches) and has a wingspan of about 47 to 55 centimeters (18.5 to 21.5 inches).

Voice

• African Collared Dove: The voice of the African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) is characterized by a series of soft, melodious cooing sounds.
  These calls are gentle and often harmonious, reflecting the bird’s presence in sub-Saharan African habitats. The vocalizations contribute to its role in the acoustic landscape of its native environment.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) has a distinctive and rhythmic three-part cooing call.
  The call is often described as “coo-COO-coo,” with the second “coo” note being higher in pitch. This vocal pattern is a familiar sound in urban and suburban areas where the bird has established its presence.

Wing Pattern

• African-Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove displays a wing pattern characterized by subtle contrasts. The wingtips are only slightly darker than the wing and back feathers.
  This subdued pattern contributes to the dove’s overall softer appearance, blending harmoniously with its lighter coloration.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: In contrast, the Eurasian Collared Dove has more pronounced wingtips. These wingtips are distinctly dark gray, creating a more noticeable contrast with the rest of the wing. This wing pattern is one of the key field marks for identifying the species.

Tail Pattern

• African Collared Dove: The tail pattern of the African Collared Dove is marked by white-edged feathers. These white edges are visible on the tail feathers and contribute to the bird’s distinctive appearance when in flight or perched.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The tail pattern of the Eurasian Collared Dove features gray-edged feathers. This tail pattern contrasts with the white-edged tail feathers of the African Collared Dove, providing another visual clue for distinguishing between the two species.

Eye Ring

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove has a prominent white eye ring encircling its eye. This eye ring stands out against its plumage and contributes to the bird’s facial features.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove also possesses an eye ring, but it tends to be less prominent compared to that of the African Collared Dove. The subtler eye ring is another characteristic feature that helps differentiate between the two species.

Range Limit

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove’s range is limited to sub-Saharan Africa. Its distribution spans across various countries within this region, reflecting its adaptation to the specific ecosystems found there.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove has a much wider and expansive range compared to the African Collared Dove.
  Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has expanded its range to include many parts of the world, including North America, where it has become established.

Migration Patterns

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) is generally considered a non-migratory species. It tends to exhibit sedentary behavior, remaining within its preferred sub-Saharan African habitats throughout the year.
  The bird’s stable presence in its native range is influenced by the consistent availability of suitable food sources and favorable climatic conditions.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: In contrast, the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) displays variable migration patterns. While many populations are non-migratory and remain in their adopted habitats year-round, some individuals or populations exhibit short-distance migrations in response to changing seasons.

Breeding Season

• African Collared Dove: The breeding season of the African Collared Dove varies across its native range, influenced by local climatic conditions and the availability of food resources.
  In some regions, breeding activity may be more pronounced during certain times of the year, but it lacks a strict and synchronized breeding season observed in some migratory bird species.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove typically has a broader breeding season compared to the African Collared Dove. In its adopted habitats, it is known to breed throughout the year, with peak activity during the warmer months.
  This adaptability to various breeding seasons contributes to its successful establishment in diverse environments.

Nesting Habits

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove constructs simple platform nests using twigs, leaves, and other available materials.
  These nests are often positioned in trees or shrubs, providing protection and camouflage for the eggs and chicks. The nest’s design is adapted to the characteristics of the bird’s native habitats.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Similar to the African Collared Dove, the Eurasian Collared Dove also builds platform nests. However, due to its propensity for urban and suburban environments, it often selects nesting sites on buildings, ledges, and even utility poles. This adaptability to nesting in man-made structures is a defining trait of the species.

Egg Color

• African Collared Dove: The eggs of the African Collared Dove are typically white with minimal markings. This egg coloration is a common adaptation seen in many dove species, contributing to camouflage and protection against predators.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s eggs share a similar white coloration with the African Collared Dove. They are also characterized by their simplicity, with minimal markings or speckling. The consistent egg color is a reflection of the species’ reproductive strategies.

Incubation Period

• African Collared Dove: The incubation period for the eggs of the African Collared Dove is around 14 days. During this time, the female incubates the eggs, keeping them warm and protected until they hatch.
  This period is relatively consistent across its range and reflects the bird’s adaptation to its specific environmental conditions.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s incubation period is also around 14 days, similar to the African Collared Dove.
  This shared incubation period aligns with the reproductive physiology of the species and allows for consistent development and hatching of the eggs.

Chick Appearance

• African Collared Dove: The chicks of the African Collared Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) are born with gray down feathers that cover their bodies.
  This downy plumage provides insulation and warmth during the early stages of their development. As they grow, the gray down feathers gradually give way to the adult plumage.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Similar to the African Collared Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) chicks also possess gray down feathers upon hatching. The downy covering aids in maintaining their body temperature and contributes to their survival during the vulnerable early stages of life.

Lifespan

• African Collared Dove: The lifespan of the African Collared Dove is typically around 3 to 5 years. Various factors, including predation, habitat availability, and food availability, influence the bird’s longevity in its native sub-Saharan African habitats.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s lifespan is also within the range of 3 to 5 years. However, in some cases, individuals in favorable environments may live longer. Factors such as predation, disease, and human impacts can affect the overall lifespan of the species.

Conservation Status

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove is classified as a species of “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This status reflects its relatively stable populations within its native range and the absence of major threats that could lead to significant declines.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: Similar to the African Collared Dove, the Eurasian Collared Dove is also classified as a species of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. Despite being an invasive species in some areas, its widespread presence and adaptability have contributed to its conservation status.

Hybridization

• African Collared Dove: Hybridization with other dove species is a rare occurrence in the African Collared Dove. Due to its more confined range and habitats, opportunities for interbreeding with other dove species are limited.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove has a potential for hybridization with other dove species due to its widespread distribution and presence in various habitats. In regions where multiple dove species overlap, there is a possibility of hybridization, although it remains relatively infrequent.

Distinctive Features

• African Collared Dove: The African Collared Dove features several distinctive characteristics, including its white undertail coverts and the subtle contrast between its wingtips and the rest of the wing. These features contribute to its elegant and muted appearance.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove is known for its distinct dark gray wingtips and gray undertail coverts. These characteristics, along with its rhythmic three-part cooing call, set it apart from other dove species.

Range Overlap

• African Collared Dove: The range of the African Collared Dove is limited to sub-Saharan Africa. It primarily inhabits this specific geographic region and is not commonly encountered in other parts of the world.
• Eurasian Collared Dove: The Eurasian Collared Dove’s range overlaps with various regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. Its adaptability to diverse environments has allowed it to establish populations in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

African Collared Dove Vs Eurasian Collared Dove: Comparison Table

Characteristic	African Collared Dove	Eurasian Collared Dove
Undertail Coverts	White	Gray
Wingtip Color	Slightly darker than wing and back	Dark gray
Overall Coloration	Lighter, muted	Slightly more vibrant
Distribution	Sub-Saharan Africa	Global, including North America
Range Expansion	Limited range	Extensive expansion
Invasive Status	Not invasive in North America	Invasive in parts of North America
Habitat	Urban and suburban areas	Urban and suburban areas
Feeding Habits	Grains and seeds	Grains and seeds
Behavior	Commonly seen on utility wires and rooftops	Commonly seen on utility wires and rooftops
Size	Similar sizes	Similar sizes
Voice	Distinct calls	Distinct calls
Wing Pattern	Subtle contrast in wingtips	Pronounced dark wingtips
Tail Pattern	White-edged tail feathers	Gray-edged tail feathers
Eye Ring	Prominent white eye ring	Less prominent eye ring
Range Limit	Mainly sub-Saharan Africa	Globally widespread
Migration Patterns	Mostly sedentary	Some migratory populations
Breeding Season	Variable across range	Variable across range
Nesting Habits	Build simple platform nests	Build simple platform nests
Egg Color	White with minimal markings	White with minimal markings
Incubation Period	Around 14 days	Around 14 days
Chick Appearance	Gray down feathers	Gray down feathers
Lifespan	Around 3 to 5 years	Around 3 to 5 years
Conservation Status	Least Concern	Not of conservation concern
Hybridization	Rarely hybridizes with other species	Potential hybridization with other doves
Distinctive Features	Light undertail coverts, subtle wingtip contrast	Gray undertail coverts, dark wingtips
Range Overlap	Limited overlap in range	Substantial range overlap

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The African Collared Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove exemplify the diversity and complexity of avian life. Through their differences in appearance, behavior, and ecological interactions, they showcase the dynamic nature of evolutionary processes.

These doves serve as reminders of the delicate balance of ecosystems, whether as non-invasive inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa or as adaptable invaders in various regions.

Their distinct cooing calls and nesting habits further highlight the intricate ways in which they have integrated with their surroundings.

Studying these doves not only deepens our appreciation for the natural world but also underscores the importance of preserving and understanding biodiversity for future generations.